A proposal to tax large companies and give all Oregon citizens a rebate has drawn in-state criticism and support from out-of-state universal basic income advocates.
PORTLAND, Ore. — A ballot measure that would tax the sales of large companies and spread the money among all Oregonians is being widely opposed by Oregon businesses, organizations and politicians from both sides of the aisle — while drawing support from Californians in the tech industry who advocate for universal basic income.
Measure 118 proposes a 3% tax on a corporation’s sales in Oregon exceeding $25 million. State estimates say it would generate roughly $7 billion each year — enough to send about $1,600 to every Oregon resident, regardless of age.
“The $1,600 bucks isn’t going to solve every problem you have, but it’s certainly going to help,” said Antonio Gisbert, a petitioner backing Measure 118, in a prior interview with KGW.
Gisbert said large corporations aren’t paying …